updated 05:15 am EDT, Tue October 22, 2013

Microsoft Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 pick up key enhancements

Microsoft's revamped Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 productivity tablets are now shipping to customers. The revised devices both incorporate a number of enhancements designed to boost performance and improve overall usability. Both devices incorporate the latest silicon and an improved dual-position kickstand, while each also ships out of the box with Microsoft's refined Windows 8.1 operating system.

The Surface 2 continues with Windows 8.1 for ARM devices, otherwise known as Windows RT 8.1. Like Windows 8.1 running on the Surface Pro 2, the Surface 2 picks up all of the user interface enhancements along with several new apps. The most notable of these is the addition of the long-requested ARM port of Outlook, rounding out the free Office suite of apps that ship with the device out of the box. It also picks up the latest Nvidia Tegra 4 (T40) quad-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz, new 1080p ClearType display, a USB 3.0 port, microSD card slot, Bluetooth 4.0, upgraded front and rear cameras, is thinner and lighter while also offering 10 hours of battery life.

The Surface Pro 2 retains a very similar chassis as the original Surface Pro, but importantly picks up the latest Intel 'Haswell' chip technology with much improved integrated graphics and the option for either 4GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options right up to 512GB of flash storage. It ships with full Windows 8.1 Pro on board, while it also includes a stylus, a full 10-point multitouch 1080p ClearType display, USB 3.0 port, microSD card slot, mini DisplayPort and a pair of 720p cameras on the front and rear. Battery life is good for around 5 hours.

Both devices can be matched with an expanded range of accessories that includes a TypeCover now in multiple colors and with keyboard backlighting, as well as a new PowerCover that will be add additional battery life to both devices. The Surface Pro 2 also picks up some accessories of its own including a new desktop dock.